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4 Popular Myths about Hernia Debunked By A Hernia Surgeon
Introduction A hernia is a condition in which a part of an internal organ puts pressure and pushes through a weak area in a muscle or tissue. Research suggests that Indians are the biggest candidate for hernias and it is a growing condition affecting thousands. Considering the condition's prevalence, Dr Mainak Pal, a laparoscopic hernia surgeon in Kolkata, debunks four popular myths surrounding the disease in the following section. Four Popular Hernia Myths Debunked Myth: Hernias only occur in the stomach Hernias generally occur in the abdominal area, like the upper abdomen and the belly button. However, hernias can also develop in other body parts, like the groin and upper thigh. The most common type of hernia - the inguinal hernia - account for 75% of all hernias and are located in the groin area. Myth: Only men get hernias Hernias are more common in men; however, women and children can also develop a hernia. In fact, a type of hernia - femoral hernia - that forms in the upper thigh is more common in women than men. Myth: Hernia is easily detectable Some conditions can develop in silence without noticeable symptoms to alarm the patient. A hernia is one of them. Some hernias can form unnoticed until [...]
Types of Bariatric Surgery, Explained by a Bariatric Doctor
Introduction Bariatric Surgery aims to treat obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and many other weight-related diseases. For many decades, bariatric operations have been refined and are regarded as among the best-studied treatments in modern medicine, says Dr Mainak Pal, a bariatric surgery doctor in Kolkata. There are different weight-loss surgery procedures, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The following section lists and explains the procedures to help the patients make informed decisions regarding their weight loss surgery. Types of Bariatric Surgery Sleeve Gastrectomy The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy involves surgical staplers to remove 80% of the stomach. As the stomach size reduces, it holds less food and liquid, reducing the amount of food consumed. The surgery increases fullness, decreases hunger and allows the body to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and reduce weight. Advantages Simple and short procedure It can be performed on patients with high-risk medical conditions. It can be used as a bridge to gastric bypass or SADI-S procedures. It helps in effective weight loss and improves obesity. Disadvantages It is a non-reversible procedure May cause new-onset or worsen existing reflux and heartburn Minor impact on metabolism Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, popularly known as gastric bypass, is the [...]
Understanding Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Introduction Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery is the best option to repair inguinal hernia, says Dr Mainak Pal, the best laparoscopic hernia surgeon in Kolkata. Hernias, over time, tend to get bigger and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Suppose you have symptoms of a hernia like pain or discomfort in your groin, a bulge on either side of your pubic bone and a burning or aching sensation at the bulge. In that case, consult a doctor immediately. Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Steps General Anesthesia will be administered before the start of laparoscopic hernia surgery. Three minor cuts or incisions will be made in or just below your navel. Your abdomen will then be inflated with air which allows the surgeon to see the organs inside. A thin scope with a light source(laparoscope) will be inserted through one of the incisions. The surgical tools to treat the hernia are inserted through other small incisions in the lower belly. Mesh may then be placed over the concerned area to strengthen the belly wall or the healthy tissue edges may be sewn together. Recovery after Surgery Recovery time after surgery is about 1 to 2 weeks. You will be able to go home, the same day of the surgery. You will also be [...]
Things to Consider before conceiving after Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery & high chance of pregnancy Are you planning to get pregnant after your bariatric surgery? Your chances have just increased. Bariatric surgery not only helps you lose weight but also doubles your possibility of getting pregnant, says Dr. Mainak Pal, a bariatric surgery doctor in Kolkata. Post-surgery, there is a sudden boost in your fertility. The weight that you lose after the surgery corrects reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. It also lowers the chances of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia during pregnancy. However, there are certain things that you should keep in mind before conceiving to enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Three Things to Consider Nutritional Balance – At the post-surgery weight-loss period, your body goes through significant nutritional changes. Calcium, Vitamin B12, iron, and Vitamin D are the most common nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery. This upheaval of nutrients can be problematic for your baby. Therefore, “It is best if you wait until 18 months after surgery before conceiving”, says Dr. Mainak Pal. Research shows that your body will stabilize and be in a better position to provide the necessary nutrients to your baby by this period. However, in some cases, nutritional deficiencies can develop during pregnancy too. Consult your bariatric surgeon and a nutritionist [...]
Diet plan for piles patients- a doctor suggested
Overview Collections of swollen and inflamed tissues that take place in one’s anal canal are known as piles. It is also known as hemorrhoids. Piles contain support tissues, blood vessels, elastic fibers and muscle. According to Dr. Mainak Pal, best known for piles treatment in Kolkata, most patients suffering from piles are aged between 45 and 65. Pregnant women also suffer from hemorrhoids. Causes The cause of hemorrhoids varies from person to person. For some, it is genetic and there is no other cause needed for piles to take place. People, who put a lot of pressure during bowel movements, may get piles. There are many people who suffer from constipation or diarrhea. They also may develop hemorrhoids and suffer. Obesity is the source of almost all health conditions and piles are no exception. Obesity can bring forth the risk of getting hemorrhoids. If you are affectionate about spicy food items a lot and consume this type of food quite often, you may get affected by piles. Dr. Mainak Pal, the best piles doctor in Kolkata, says that you may be prone to piles if you have a low fibre diet. People, who stand or sit for a long time, are also at risk of getting piles. Symptoms Pain [...]
Symptoms, treatment and prevention of gallstones- a surgeon’s guide
Overview When excess deposition of cholesterol takes place within one's gallbladder, that forms stone-like structures, which are called gallstones. This mainly happens when a chemical imbalance in your digestive fluid bile occurs. Gallstones have become a very common issue nowadays. Untreated gallstones contribute to the risk of gallbladder cancer, says the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata. Research shows that almost 80% of gallbladder cancer patients have gallstones. The presence of gallstones makes the situation worse and decreases the chance of recovering from it. Gallstones Excess bilirubin, cholesterol, and bile salts accumulate and form pebble-like hard fragments in the gallbladder, known as gallstones. According to the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, gallstones' size may vary from as large as a golf ball to as microscopic as grains of sand. Types There are 2 types of gallstones. Those are as follows: Pigment stones: This type of stone is made of excess bilirubin and calcium salts. People with pre-existing conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, biliary tract infections and some certain types of anaemia have more chances of developing these stones. Cholesterol stones: When a person's cholesterol level goes high in the gallbladder and the bile salts can't dissolve the entire extra cholesterol, this type of stone starts to form. Symptoms [...]
Home remedies for piles- a doctor’s guide
Overview People find piles to be a very embarrassing topic to talk about. But ignoring it can never be a solution. Moreover, if you have piles and keep that untreated to avoid embarrassment, it will become worse. The pain of piles becomes unbearable at times. In this blog, a popular piles doctor in Kolkata named Dr. Mainak Pal has discussed some home remedies to keep piles in control when it is in an initial stage. Natural hacks to keep your haemorrhoids in control before visiting a doctor Here are some remedies provided by the best piles doctor in Kolkata that you can try at your home to ease your sufferings in an initial stage: Sitz bath- The best doctor would advise you to initially opt for a sitz bath as it works wonders when it comes to haemorrhoids. Fill up a tub with lukewarm water and for about 15 minutes, soak your genitals and anal canal in the water. This will relax the muscles of the anal canal and will ease your pain related to piles. The best piles doctor in Kolkata advises sitz bath thrice a day before going for any further treatment. Tea tree oil- Tea tree oil does really good on your skin. So, if you use it for your [...]
Colorectal cancer in Women- A GI malignancy surgeon discussed
Colorectal cancer: Colon cancer and rectal cancer, in medical terms, are referred to as colorectal cancer. The basic difference between both the cancers depends on where the cancer polyps have formed first, in the colon or in the rectum. Colorectal cancer can be found both in men and women. This type of cancer takes the lives of men and women due to the lack of early diagnosis, says Dr. Mainak Pal, one of the finest GI malignancy surgeons in Kolkata. Women and colon cancer: In most cases, the symptoms of colon cancer are similar to that of the menstrual cycle. As a result, women do not pay much attention to those symptoms, and when finally colon cancer gets detected, it is already in an advanced stage. Suppose you are a woman and you are feeling extremely tired or lacking the energy to do anything. What would you think about it? You would think that it is just a case of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), isn’t it? You may also suffer from abdominal cramps if you have colon cancer which by mistake you may think to be mere menstrual cramps. The best GI malignancy surgeon in Kolkata says that you must not ignore these if you face any of the symptoms on [...]
Myths about bariatric surgery- a laparoscopic surgeon’s guide
Dr. Mainak Pal is considered the best laparoscopic surgeon in Kolkata. In this blog, he discussed some false beliefs about bariatric surgery. Myths about Bariatric surgery that all of us must be well aware of: It includes high risk: During the '70s, weight loss surgery was considered risky as there was a lack of advanced technologies. Surgeons had to make large incisions previously. But today, things have changed. Advanced technologies and machines have made bariatric surgery an extremely safe one with almost no risk. Experienced surgeons nowadays perform laparoscopic bariatric surgery that involves tiny incisions. The professional medical staff remains in touch with the patient after the operation for regular follow-ups. 100 kg is the weight to qualify for the surgery: It is a complete myth that one needs to have 100kg weight to opt for this bariatric surgery. Yes, there are medical requirements to qualify, but those have specific reasons for the surgery. Bariatric surgery cannot be an option for all who are overweight, says Dr. Mainak Pal, the best laparoscopic surgeon in Kolkata. The criteria are that you need to have a BMI (Body Mass Index) rate of 35 to 40 along with co-morbidities such as joint pain, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus to [...]
How to heal anal fissure? A surgeon answered
A natural bowel movement is a daily process of our life, but if it causes severe pain, discomfort occurs. Here are the steps to heal this pain in this blog, and these have been provided by Dr. Mainak Pal, best known for his fissure treatment in Kolkata. Anal fissure: Small cracks in our anal canal are known as anal fissures. There are many health conditions that happen to cause painful anal fissures. The conditions may include: Constipation Childbirth Large bowel movement Repeated diarrhea Conditions that affect and decrease the regular and normal blood flow to our anus The pain may be unbearable sometimes, but you should not wait and must consult a doctor when the pains occur twice or thrice. An untreated, anal fissure may cause Crohn’s disease too. In some cases, an anal fissure may also develop hemorrhoids in or around our anus. No one dies out of an anal fissure, but the incredible pain becomes unbearable. So, it’s always advised by the best fissure surgeons in Kolkata to get the anal fissure treated as early as possible. Types: There are two types of anal fissure, one is an acute fissure, and the other is a chronic fissure. Some simple medication and lifestyle changes advised by your doctor may [...]
Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe? A bariatric surgeon answers
Bariatric surgery: Bariatric surgery is a surgical weight-loss procedure to manage severe medical conditions related to obesity. Along with a proper diet and a few lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery lowers the risk of death of obese people with serious health issues, says Dr. Mainak Pal, a renowned bariatric surgeon based in Kolkata. There are certain medical conditions that you need to qualify for weight loss surgery. Suppose your BMI (Body Mass Index) is between 35 to 40 or higher than that, and you are suffering from health issues related to your obesity, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, or high blood pressure. In that case, you are eligible to opt for bariatric surgery. Please do not pay attention to the myths about weight loss surgery; it is safe, says a bariatric surgeon in Kolkata. Questions that are frequently asked regarding this weight loss surgery: Does this surgery involve high risk? Answer: During the ’70s, there was a scarcity of advanced technology, and as a result, weight loss surgery was categorized as high-risk surgery, and the incisions were bigger. The incisions led to scars that stayed for a lifetime. Now, things have changed due to the intervention of the latest and advanced technologies, and bariatric surgery is one of the safest [...]
Post-Inguinal Hernia Surgery Recovery tips by a laparoscopic surgeon
Inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia takes place in the groin area, so it is also called a groin hernia. It occurs in the groin portion when either a part of the intestine or an accumulated fat pushes through a weak spot that lies in the inguinal canal. An inguinal hernia may be severe and create serious health issues if kept untreated, says Dr. Mainak Pal, a renowned laparoscopic surgeon in Kolkata. Is there any other treatment else than surgery? A hernia does not heal on its own. Your inguinal hernia may not bother or affect you much, but it does not go away spontaneously. A hernia only can be operated on and get repaired. There is no other treatment available. So, it is always advised by doctors in Kolkata to go for laparoscopic hernia surgery and get rid of your hernia forever. About post-inguinal hernia surgery recovery: After your inguinal hernia surgery the small incisions will be covered with bandages, you will be given food and drink. You can go home on the day of your surgery, as after laparoscopic hernia surgery in Kolkata, you do not need much time to get back to normal life. The surgeon may provide you with some pain relief medicines. Obey whatever your surgeon advises as he [...]